It's on the way...

The Mindstorms NXT 2.0 is on sale $279.99 (Pre-orders) @ http://shop.lego.com/ByTheme/Product.aspx?p=8547&cn=17 and will be available August 1st.

Yippee!

So what’s new???

A Color Sensor which detects different colors, different light intensity, as well as, a color lamp.

There will be 2 Touch Sensors, but no Sound Sensor, however, you can still buy & use a Sound Sensor with the kit. I will assume LEGO(R) decided to eliminate it from this kit, because it is sometimes hard to use with extraneous sounds around.

The 2.0 software contains a few new icons/blocks, sounds, and a Sound editor to create customized sounds with a PC microphone (Mac???). A Picture/Icon editor to import picture files to the NXT display. A new Bluetooth Contact Block that lets the NXT connect & disconnect up to 3 other NXTs while running a program. Also, there’s an on screen Remote Control from your computer to try out your model while programming.

There is 42 more pieces in the kit, instructions for 4 new models and http://mindstorms.lego.com/ will be offering 10 bonus models with building instructions.

See video ...

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Robotics at AMNH...

Wow, the “LeGo-bots Lady” and I just had an exciting week at the American Museum of Natural History’s Robotics Camp. We taught LeGology Technology, how an electric current is produced, and of course built awesome Rover robots while using the Rose Center of the museum to learn about Mars & the Rovers.

- Reee-Bot the Roving Robot Report

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DYCD Tournament at Polytechnic Institute..

Although on a smaller scale, the special FLL Climate Connections tournament for DYCD teams (the result of a partnership between NYC’s Department of Youth & Community Development and FIRST LEGO League, and the generous support of The Wallace Foundation), was just as exciting as the FIRST tournaments at the Javits Center last March. DYCD robotics teams showed off amazing robots, skillful performances, and thought provoking research projects. See the slideshow in the sidebar.

Way to go teams!!!

- Reee-Bot the Roving Robot Reporter

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NYC DOE FLL robotics teams...

Update... For NYC DOE schools registering FLL teams for the 2009 challenge:

FLL – Elementary/Middle Schools/9th grade HS
Registration - $200. & Field Set-Up - $65
FLL NXT Robotic Kit & Supplementary Kit - $395 - The elementary schools have this kit already, but it would be nice to order them another.

2009 FLL Registration – Payment on DOE ecatalog - FAMIS

You must register a team before ordering from FAMIS, because you will need your team number!

https://dfoforms.nycenet.edu/ecatalog/default.aspx

FLL FIELD SET UP KIT - #991217 - MUST INCLUDE TEAM # ON ORDER
Number: 800055489
Vendor: PITSCO LEGO DACTA
Availability: Check
Availability is only for trade book items.
Form: CD
U/M: EACH
NYSTL: Disallowed $70.20

FLL TEAM REGISTRATION 2009 - #990305 - MUST INCLUDE TEAM # ON ORDER
Number: 800055470
Vendor: PITSCO LEGO DACTA
Availability: Check
Availability is only for trade book items.
Form: CD
U/M: EACH
NYSTL: Allowed $216.

FLL ROBOT SET 2009 - #979792 - MUST INCLUDE TEAM # ON ORDER
Number: 800055497
Vendor: PITSCO LEGO DACTA
Availability: Check
Availability is only for trade book items.
Form: CD
U/M: EACH
NYSTL $418.70

Vendor PITSCO LEGO DACTA

Phone number is (800) 362-4308.

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New FTC kit...

New FTC kit…

The word is out… the new FTC kit is available to registered teams and there are some new goodies (they must have read my post of FTC - Face Off! Reflection...) Actually, they took a survey from the teams and made changes:

TETRIX™ Base Set, which includes:
o Improved Servos, DC motors
o NEW omni wheel
o New game sensor
o Brackets and mounts
o Structural channel and plates
o Structural tubing and hubs
o Wheels and gears
o LabVIEW, MINDSTORMS NXT, & Robot C software for FTC & licenses
o LEGO Bluetooth dongle
o Hard Point Connectors for attaching TETRIX to LEGO Technic
o Two Logitech joystick controllers
o HiTechnic controllers
o Battery pack, connectors, and charger
o Hardware and hex keys
o User guide and FTC game manual
o Storage bin

Teams have 3 options:
1 – Tetrix Base kit & NXT kit - $999.
2 – Tetrix Base kit - $799.
3 – Low-cost option for those who have last year’s Tetrix & NXT kit – Updated software & new game sensor - $149.

Teams will also be able to buy more than one kit this year.

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FTC Registration is open...

2009 FTC Season Registration is now open!!!

The 2009 season is open as of Monday, May 4, 2009. Please follow these steps:

* Go to our registration web site: https://my.usfirst.org/ftc/tims

* If you are a returning team, log in and select the team you would like to register (you will be keeping your team number).

* If you are a new team, follow the instructions to create a login:

- A login and password will be emailed to you

- Use login and password to access registration site

- Create a new team

* Complete all the required fields. Hint: required fields have an X next to them.

* When the required fields are completed, follow the “Program Fee” link to complete your registration. Hint: the “Program Fee” link is near the bottom of the page.

KOP Purchasing Information

Information on purchasing the kit of parts will be sent in an upcoming e-mail blast. Be sure to check your in-box for more info!

FTC robot kit – Tetrix/NXT
Word is… that there will be some changes/improvements to the Tetrix kit, such as replacing those motor tabs that easily broke with possibly screw attachments for the wires. Check your e-mails, & various FTC blogs for info.

FTC on Twitter!

Yes, FTC now has a Twitter account! You can follow the FTC staff in their daily quest to making this a great program for everyone at http://twitter.com/ftcteams .

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FLL Registration is open...

It’s Time! to make that

2009
FIRST LEGO League Registration
Is Open!

Go To: http://www.usfirst.org/community/fll/content.aspx?id=11256

Registration - $200. & Field Set-Up - $65

FLL NXT Robot kit - $395

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